Thursday, February 28, 2013

Glacier Park Concessions Prospectus Modified

Modifications have been made to the prospectus for the award of a new concession contract to provide lodging, food and beverage, retail and other visitor services in Glacier National Park. Most of the modifications are related to the management of the iconic red bus fleet in response to concerns raised by the public. The modifications include a requirement for the selected concessioner to rehabilitate the red bus fleet to maintain the buses in a road worthy and safe condition for road-based tours and ensure a fleet of 33 red buses. Conditions assessments of all buses will be required every five years. Another modification requires the selected concessioner to establish and manage a Red Bus Rehabilitation Reserve to ensure the availability of funds to rehabilitate the buses as needed. The reserve funding will be dedicated to the perpetual care of the bus fleet.

Acting Glacier National Park Superintendent Kym Hall said, "We believe the modifications to the prospectus clearly define our intent to maintain the iconic red bus fleet at Glacier National Park. We want visitors to have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional experience of the red buses for years to come."

The deadline for submitting a proposal for the concession contract to provide lodging, food and beverage, retail and other visitor services at Glacier National Park has been extended to April 2, 2013.

The current concession contract for this service, held by Glacier Park, Inc. since 1981, will expire on December 31, 2013. The new 16-year concession contract is anticipated to take effect January 1, 2014. The contract is for seasonal concession operations at five lodging locations, ten food and beverage locations, eight retail locations, road-based tours and transportation-related operations, and other services in Glacier National Park.